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Related Concept Videos

Chromatin Packaging02:21

Chromatin Packaging

Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base-pairs of DNA. Each base-pair is 0.34 nm long, which means that each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. How is such a long DNA strand packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10 - 20 microns in diameter? 
The chromatin
In combination with specialized DNA binding protein called Histones, the DNA double helix forms a compact DNA: protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin itself is further compacted into higher-order structures.
Chromatin Packaging01:32

Chromatin Packaging

Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base pairs of DNA. Each base pair is 0.34 nm long, meaning each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. This long DNA strand is packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10-20 microns in diameter with the help of specialized DNA-binding proteins called histones. Together they form a compact DNA-protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin is further compacted into higher-order structures. The highest level of compaction is achieved during...
Chromatin Packaging02:21

Chromatin Packaging

Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base-pairs of DNA. Each base-pair is 0.34 nm long, which means that each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. How is such a long DNA strand packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10 - 20 microns in diameter? 
The chromatin
In combination with specialized DNA binding protein called Histones, the DNA double helix forms a compact DNA: protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin itself is further compacted into higher-order structures.
Duplication of Chromatin Structure02:05

Duplication of Chromatin Structure

The process of chromosome duplication during cell division requires genome-wide disruption and re-assembly of chromatin. The chromatin structure must be accurately inherited, reassembled, and maintained in the daughter cells to ensure lineage propagation.
The basic unit of the chromatin is the nucleosome, consisting of DNA wrapped around octameric histone proteins and short stretches of linker DNA separating individual nucleosomes. The histone proteins within the nucleosome have their...
Euchromatin01:01

Euchromatin

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions take up more dye, appearing darker, while the less-compact areas take up less dye and appear lighter. Based on the compaction level, chromatins are classified into two primary forms – euchromatin and heterochromatin.
Euchromatin is the less dense region of the chromatin and stains lighter. Euchromatin contains histone H3 extensively...
Euchromatin01:01

Euchromatin

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions take up more dye, appearing darker, while the less-compact areas take up less dye and appear lighter. Based on the compaction level, chromatins are classified into two primary forms – euchromatin and heterochromatin.
Euchromatin is the less dense region of the chromatin and stains lighter. Euchromatin contains histone H3 extensively...

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Salt-urea, sulfopropyl-sepharose, and covalent chromatography methods for histone isolation and fractionation.

Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)·2013
Same author

Pulling chromatin apart: Unstacking or Unwrapping?

BMC biophysics·2012
Same author

Proteome analysis of protein partners to nucleosomes containing canonical H2A or the variant histones H2A.Z or H2A.X.

Biological chemistry·2012
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Hho1p, the linker histone of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is important for the proper chromatin organization in vivo.

Biochimica et biophysica acta·2011
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New nuclear partners for nucleosome assembly protein 1: unexpected associations.

Biochemistry and cell biology = Biochimie et biologie cellulaire·2010
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How are nucleosomes disrupted during transcription elongation?

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Assembly of Nucleosomal Arrays from Recombinant Core Histones and Nucleosome Positioning DNA
10:40

Assembly of Nucleosomal Arrays from Recombinant Core Histones and Nucleosome Positioning DNA

Published on: September 10, 2013

Chromatin fiber structure: Where is the problem now?

Ken van Holde1, Jordanka Zlatanova

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA. vanholdk@onid.orst.edu

Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
|October 2, 2007
PubMed
Summary

The 30 nm chromatin fiber structure remains controversial despite new techniques. In vivo, its form is likely dynamic and varied, requiring further research.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The 30 nm chromatin fiber structure has been debated for decades.
  • Existing models lack consensus, particularly regarding its in vivo state.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review historical and recent research on the 30 nm chromatin fiber.
  • To highlight ongoing controversies and suggest future research directions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and studies.
  • Analysis of data from advanced imaging and biophysical techniques.

Main Results:

  • In vitro studies show conflicting models for the 30 nm fiber.
  • In vivo chromatin structure is likely dynamic and heterogeneous, not a single fixed form.

More Related Videos

A Multilabel Single Molecule Localization Microscopy Protocol for Investigation of Chromatin in the Dense Nuclear Environment
08:49

A Multilabel Single Molecule Localization Microscopy Protocol for Investigation of Chromatin in the Dense Nuclear Environment

Published on: June 5, 2026

Probing The Structure And Dynamics Of Nucleosomes Using Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging
09:52

Probing The Structure And Dynamics Of Nucleosomes Using Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging

Published on: January 31, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Assembly of Nucleosomal Arrays from Recombinant Core Histones and Nucleosome Positioning DNA
10:40

Assembly of Nucleosomal Arrays from Recombinant Core Histones and Nucleosome Positioning DNA

Published on: September 10, 2013

A Multilabel Single Molecule Localization Microscopy Protocol for Investigation of Chromatin in the Dense Nuclear Environment
08:49

A Multilabel Single Molecule Localization Microscopy Protocol for Investigation of Chromatin in the Dense Nuclear Environment

Published on: June 5, 2026

Probing The Structure And Dynamics Of Nucleosomes Using Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging
09:52

Probing The Structure And Dynamics Of Nucleosomes Using Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging

Published on: January 31, 2019

Conclusions:

  • Resolution of the 30 nm chromatin fiber structure requires integrating in vitro and in vivo data.
  • Future research should focus on dynamic and heteromorphic models of chromatin organization.